Being related to pious people,
particularly the Prophet and his Progeny (PBUT) has always been appreciated by
everyone. Nonetheless, being related to the Prophet and his family (PBUT) is
only valuable when the holder of such status can benefit from it; otherwise, it
is worthless. This is similar to the knowledge that is not under practice by
the owner and does not guarantee any guidance.

Abd al-Azim, son of Abdullah bin Ali,
was the forth grandson of Imam Hassan Mujtaba (PBUH), and this virtue has
become multifold by him following the path of the Ahl al-Bait (PBUT). Agha
Bozorg Tehrani has written: “Abd al-Azim Hassani had met with Imam Reza
and Imam Jawad (PBUT) in his lifetime, and had also observed the time of Imam
Hadi (PBUH), presented his beliefs to the Imam (PBUH), and passed away during
Imam Hadi’s (PBUH) lifetime; since Imam Hadi (PBUH) had told some of the people
of Rey:’…If you visit the grave of Abd al-Azim, it would be same as visiting
the shrine of Imam Hussain (PBUH).'(1)”(2)

The Infallible Imams (PBUT) have
taught and told us that: “To know a man’s position with us, look at the
number of Ahadith he has narrated from us.”(3) Or we read in another narration, “To
know the position of our followers is by looking at the Ahadith they narrate
from us and the depth of their understanding about us.”(4)

In terms of understanding the value of
Abd al-Azim, this would suffice that Imam (PBUH) referred people to him to
learn more and expand their knowledge.

Abu Hammaad Raazi narrates: “I
went to see Imam Hadi (PBUH) in Samarra and I asked him a number of questions
about what was prohibited and what was not. Imam Hadi (PBUH) answered all my
questions. Upon my departure, he said: ‘O Hammaad! Whenever you had
difficulties in your religion in your area, you can ask from Abd al-Azim
Hassani; and also send my regards to him.’ “(5)

Propagation of narrations was one of
the valuable things Abd al-Azim did while in Rey; he was persistent on this
even when he was in hiding. As there are incidents in which the narrator
mentions having heard the narration from Abd al-Azim in Rey (6).

Interacting with several Imams (PBUT)
in the different situations they lived, and accompanying each of them in their
sensitive and difficult times is quite valuable. Abd al-Azim’s interaction with
the Imams was exceptional, it wasn’t the occasional close up visits; rather he
visited the Imams (PBUT) on a frequent up close basis. Although staying in
physical contact with only one Imam is valuable enough, having the honor to
interact with several Imams speaks of a companion’s virtues. Contacts can be
solely a physical companionship, but other times it can be accompanied with
teaching and learning. Abd al-Azim Hasani was not only accompanying the Imam,
he would also learn from the Imam. This characteristic of his makes his
interaction with the Imams exceptional.

His obedience and humility towards the
Imams (PBUT) increase the value of his interaction with them. See how Imam Hadi
(PBUH) praises him, “Peace be upon you O Abal-Ghasem (nickname of Abd
al-Azim) for you are among our true companions.”(7) After presenting his
beliefs and faith to Imam Hadi (PBUH), the Imam (PBUH) praises him as such,
“You learned from us the exact faith Allah (SWT) is pleased with.”(8)
And the Imam (PBUH) prays for him the following, “May Allah (SWT) keep you
steadfast in your word and firm in this world and the Hereafter.”(9)

Abd al-Azim Hassani spent the last
years of his life in migration, escape, and displacement. These years are
evident of his political and social activities in which he would express his
disagreement with the reign of the time. His religiosity is also worth
mentioning for he was exceptional in that area. Najashi narrates, “In an
attempt to escape from the King, Abd al-Azim went to Rey and settled in the
basement of a Shia man. He spent his days worshiping Allah; he would fast
during the days, and pray during the nights… He remained there as news of his
arrival gradually reached the Shiites who would then come to visit him and
become acquainted with him.”(10)

Abd al-Azim Hasani became sick during
his final days, and shortly after passed away to meet his Lord. He was buried
beside an apple tree in the city of Rey, and from that day forward, his burial
ground became a central location for the lovers of the family of the Messenger
of Allah (PBUH&HP).

(The above is a
selection taken from the article “The Light of Rey”, by Mahdi
Hussainian Qumi, published in volume three of proceedings of the Abd Al-Azim
Hassani Conference)

The Roshd Website offers condolences
to all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 15th of Shawwal, the
anniversary of the demise of the supporter of religion, the trustworthy
narrator, and the true follower of the Ahl al-Bait (PBUT),